A problem on triangle and it's perpendicular bisectors.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the square of the length of side AC in triangle ABC, given specific coordinates and equations of perpendicular bisectors. The context includes geometric properties and relationships between points in the triangle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss methods to find point A using the gradient of line AB and the midpoint formula. There are attempts to derive the coordinates of points A and C, with some questioning the correctness of their calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion reflects multiple attempts to solve for AC², with some participants expressing uncertainty about their methods and results. There is a recognition of different approaches leading to the same numerical outcome, though doubts about the correctness of initial calculations persist.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of the midpoint E and its implications for finding point A. There is also mention of a discrepancy between calculated and expected results, prompting further investigation into the methods used.

agoogler
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Homework Statement



I'm trying to solve the following problem :

In △ABC, coordinates of B are (−3,3). Equation of the perpendicular bisector of side AB is 2x+y−7=0. Equation of the perpendicular bisector of side BC is 3x−y−3=0. Mid point of side AC is E(11/2,7/2). Find AC2.


Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution



Fw5PT.png


By solving 3x−y−3=0 and 2x+y−7=0 I find that the intersection of perpendicular bisectors is at (2,3) .
Then using the two points (2,3) and (11/2,7/2), I get the equation of perpendicular bisector of AC as y=x/7+19/7.
So the slope of AC is -7 and then using point slope form , y−7/2=−7(x−11/2) Thus the equation of line AC is y=42−7x .
Similarly equation of line BC is y=2−x/3 .
So AC and BC intersect at (6,0).
By using the fact that E is the midpoint of AC, I find Co-ordinates of A as (5,7).
So the distance between A and C is 5√2, and AC2=50.
But this answer is wrong and the correct answer is 74 ( I checked the answer sheet) .
What have I done wrong ?
 
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I don't know what went wrong before but here is a slightly different method.

Step 1. Find A using B and the gradient of AB.
Step 2. Find AC^2

I forget about E, E means only A is required.
 
verty said:
I don't know what went wrong before but here is a slightly different method.

Step 1. Find A using B and the gradient of AB.
Step 2. Find AC^2

I forget about E, E means only A is required.
I don't understand. How can I find AC2 after finding gradient of AB ?
 
agoogler said:
I don't understand. How can I find AC2 after finding gradient of AB ?

Your goal is to find A and then AC^2. To find A, find the midpoint of AB then use the midpoint formula.
 
agoogler said:
So the distance between A and C is 5√2, and AC2=50.
I agree with your answer, through a slightly different route.
O is the circumcentre, so OC=OB = 5. OE2 = 25/2, so CE2 = 25/2 by Pythagoras.
 
verty said:
Your goal is to find A and then AC^2. To find A, find the midpoint of AB then use the midpoint formula.

I tried and got A as (5,7) . Is that right?
Then I get C as (6,0) so AC2=50.
 
agoogler said:
I tried and got A as (5,7) . Is that right?
Then I get C as (6,0) so AC2=50.

It must be right, you found the same answer by two different methods and Haruspex found it by a third method. There must have been no mistake originally.
 

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